Lo Mein Noodles
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Lo mein noodles are a tasty Chinese dish you can easily make at home. You can use any type of noodles, even spaghetti, to create this takeout favorite. The key to amazing lo mein is getting the sauce right. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other flavorful ingredients for an authentic taste.
This quick meal comes together in about 15 minutes. You can customize lo mein with your favorite protein and veggies. Try chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu along with carrots, peppers, and green onions. The noodles soak up the savory sauce, giving you a delicious comfort food dish.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Lo Mein noodles:
For the main dish:
- 1.5 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, finely sliced
- 300g (10oz) chicken or other protein, sliced thin
- 2 medium carrots, cut into batons
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 6 green onions, cut into lengths
- 500g (1lb) Lo Mein or Hokkien noodles
- 1/4 cup (65ml) water
For the sauce:
- 4 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
- 1 tsp white sugar (skip if using Mirin)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
You can garnish with extra green onions if you like. Feel free to swap out veggies or protein to suit your taste. The sauce is key to getting that authentic takeout flavor!
Instructions
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
Add onion and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Toss in the chicken. Cook until it’s white on the outside.
Add carrots and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
Toss in the green onions and noodles. Give everything a good mix.
Pour in the sauce and water. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are coated and the sauce thickens.
Serve your lo mein hot. You can top it with some extra sliced green onions if you like.
Remember to adjust the heat as needed. You want everything to cook quickly without burning. If your pan gets too dry, add a splash of water to keep things moving.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can swap out the noodles in this Lo Mein recipe. Try using spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine if you can’t find Lo Mein noodles. Ramen or udon noodles work well too.
For a gluten-free option, rice noodles are a good choice. Just remember they cook faster than wheat noodles.
Feel free to change up the veggies. Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy are tasty additions. Use what you have on hand or what’s in season.
The protein is flexible too. Try:
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more veggies or tofu.
You can adjust the sauce to your taste. Add a bit of hoisin or oyster sauce for extra flavor. If you like it spicy, mix in some sriracha or chili oil.
Don’t have Chinese cooking wine? Use dry sherry or more broth instead.
Remember, Lo Mein is all about mixing and matching. Have fun trying different combos to find your favorite!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Choose the right noodles. You can use fresh lo mein, hokkien, or even spaghetti noodles. Cook them according to package directions.
Prep your veggies ahead of time. Cut carrots, peppers, and onions into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcook the vegetables. They should stay crisp-tender for the best texture.
Make extra sauce. It’s great for dipping or using on other dishes.
Customize your protein. Try chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu – whatever you like best!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a hot skillet.
To freeze, let the lo mein cool completely. Put it in freezer bags and use within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Add a splash of water when reheating to keep the noodles from drying out.
For meal prep, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat. This prevents the noodles from getting soggy.